Market indicators
The upshot of more realistic estimates is organic growth in some areas – and bargains in others
1967 MG 1100 £8683 Anglia Car Auctions, King’s Lynn, June 15
Not long ago people would have laughed at the idea of getting over six grand for any example of BMC’S multi-badged 1100 range. Yet sporty versions are now sought after, their charm and rarity being fully appreciated. This was a stunning example, with just 53,000 miles and nothing worse than patina to the leather interior. The £6k-£8k estimate would’ve been correct last year, but this is no one-off result – it’s what they’re fetching.
1983 Ferrari 308GTS £66,032 Bonhams, Chantilly, June 30
If there were any doubts about how far 308s have fallen from their peak, this will have dispelled them. A well-documented car, it has covered just 39,000km (24,200 miles) and boasts a rare colour scheme – although to be fair that can apply to any Ferrari that isn’t red. The result on the day was actually only just below midestimate, but less than two years ago it would’ve had suitors fighting to own it for circa £75k.
1973 Lancia Fulvia 1600 HF £32,625 H&H, Duxford, Cambs, June 19
On the surface, this looks an extraordinary result. At more than double the top estimate of £16k, it was close to ‘Mint’ money for a car that was restored in 1992, spent the last 17 years in storage, and needs extensive recommissioning. But on the other hand it’s one of around 400 rhd Fulvia HFS built, and good ones are scarce. It also looks sound and has a credible 51,000 miles. It required a leap of faith to bid this far, but not a giant one.
1968 Triumph Vitesse MKI £11,342 Anglia Car Auctions, King’s Lynn, June 15 The Vitesse is another Britpop act that’s flying up the charts at the moment. Earlier droptops have always lagged behind the MKII, but that looks to be changing. This was more like MKII money for a car that was restored around ten years ago, though still presented very well. Its £6500-£8500 estimate reflected that, and the usual downside of non-original colour. But bidders were clearly going more on condition.
1928 Bentley 4.5-Litre Tourer £460,000 Bonhams, Goodwood, July 5 This looked like bargain of the weekend at Goodwood. Fitted with a Works chassis and also rebodied in period (1933) with Vanden Plas coachwork, this Tourer had all the right provenance, condition, bills from P&A Wood and past concours wins to justify its £600k-£800k estimate. It just appears that the buyers weren’t there on the day. Someone made a smart buy from a clearly keen seller.